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This month, the Land Authority has put up a tender for a strip of land that cuts right down the middle of Wied Għomor. If this land is acquired, local businessman Silvan Fenech of the TUM Invest Group, a subsidiary of Tumas Group, will be able to build a 26-floor hotel overlooking Wied Għomor.

The St Julian’s Local plans mark the site as a public open space. Wied Għomor is home to a number of indigenous and native trees can be found on the site, including protected cypress and sandarac trees as well as carob and almond trees.

Acquisition of strip of green zone land is key to hotel proposal

As the public land cuts right through the planned hotel development, it is a key piece of the puzzle for the development to take shape.

Foul play by the Lands Authority?

According to the Times of Malta, one source familiar with planning processes said the Lands Authority made it very difficult for anyone other than Silvan Fenech to bid on this strip of land. Sources also note that – it seems as if – this tender has been manufactured for the sole purpose of accommodating the developer.

Given the sheer scale of the hotel development, some certain legal requirements need to be satisfied, such as the maintenance of some open space. At this time, the development is too big to satisfy these requirements. However, with the acquisition of the strip of green open space made available by this tender, this requirement will no longer be an obstacle.

NGOs and Residents, Planning Authority’s Design Advisory Committee object

St Julian’s residents and a cluster of NGOs have condemned the proposed development as excessive and inconsiderate to its surroundings, asserting that it would destroy an integral part of the valley.

Echoing the same sentiments, the design advisory committee said the extensive height

Architect representing Silvan Fenech clarifies mistake

Silvan Fenech sent a declaration to the Planning Authority declaring that he already fully owns the land. When asked about this, local architect Karl Ebejer acknowledged that the declaration submitted to the PA on behalf of his client – Silvan Fenech – was an error. Mr Ebejer said the Lands Authority was aware of the planned development and had not objected.

of the proposed structure will negatively impact the surrounding properties and landscape.

Architect representing Silvan Fenech clarifies mistake

Silvan Fenech sent a declaration to the Planning Authority declaring that he already fully owns the land. When asked about this, local architect Karl Ebejer acknowledged that the declaration submitted to the PA on behalf of his client – Silvan Fenech – was an error. Mr Ebejer said the Lands Authority was aware of the planned development and had not objected.

Reactions online have been severe

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